Saco man charged in connection with hit-and-run accident

SACO, Maine — A local man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident that sent an elderly woman to the hospital Saturday morning, police said.

Leo Paul Bedard, 45, was taken into custody Saturday afternoon, as he had four warrants for his arrest. Bedard was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, a Class C felony, at his first court appearance on Monday, according to Saco Police Chief Brad Paul..

Bedard’s vehicle allegedly struck Jewell Friedman, 87, of Saco at the intersection of Ferry Road and Ocean Greens Drive around 10 a.m. Saturday, according to Paul, and did not stop after the collision.

Friedman was transported to Southern Maine Medical Center and later to Maine Medical Center following the accident.

After obtaining a description of the alleged pickup truck involved, police seized the vehicle on Ocean Park Road. The truck had tool boxes mounted in the bed as witnesses had described, according to Paul, along with damage consistent with evidence left at the scene.

The truck was seized and impounded at the Saco Police Department and Bedard was taken into custody, Paul said. Bedard’s bail was set at $75,000 surety or $25,000 cash, with conditions prohibiting him from operating a motor vehicle or contacting the victim or her family.

The incident remains under investigation and further charges against Bedard are possible, Paul said.